Chicago Bears: 5 Cornerbacks to target in 2018 NFL Free Agency
E.J. Gaines (2017: 59 Tackles, 3 Forced Fumbles, 9 Passes Defended)
The Chicago Bears are known for having tough, hard-hitting defenses. They’ve produced some of the best defenses in the history of the game. That ferocious reputation hasn’t been on display for a while now. However, acquiring E.J. Gaines may change that.
Gaines is a tackling machine, especially coming from a cornerback. He’s had 56 or more tackles in each season he’s played. Not only does he make a lot of tackles but he also makes vicious hits. In 2017 he forced 3 fumbles caused by his hits.
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The Buffalo Bills acquired Vontae Davis last week during the NFL Combine. While general manager Brandon Beane said that doesn’t keep them from re-signing Gaines, they won’t spend a lot to keep him. With him attracting attention, the odds of him staying in Buffalo are low.
Gaines missed the entire 2015 season due to a Lisfranc injury on his foot. He showed he was over it, though, with two strong seasons in 2016 and 2017.
Gaines was an integral member of the Bills’ secondary. The difference between when he played and when he didn’t was great. In games he played, the Bills were 8-3. Their defense gave up an average of 18.8 points per game and 336.8 yards per game. In the games he didn’t play, the Bills gave up an average of 30.4 points per game and 395.8 yards per game.
Gaines had just one interception in 2017, but he’ll get better in that area. He’s just 26 and entering the prime of his career. Besides, even though he didn’t cause turnovers by the air, he caused them by lodging the ball away from the ball carrier. The Bears want to get back to the Monsters of the Midway and Gaines can help the defense get there.